Delightful Classic Lemon Curd: A Versatile Citrus Treat
Discover the vibrant, silky smooth classic lemon curd recipe perfect for enhancing your desserts. This step-by-step guide offers tips, ingredient insights, and creative uses to inspire your culinary adventures.
Bright, beautiful, and irresistibly delicious, classic lemon curd is a luscious custard made from fresh lemons. Its delicate, thick, and velvety texture carries a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, making it an ideal addition to a variety of desserts.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Step 1:
Gather all your ingredients. Choose large lemons for the best juice yield; if using smaller ones, three lemons will suffice. Thoroughly wash the lemons to ensure they are clean.
Step 2:
Grate the zest from one lemon and place it into a saucepan designated for cooking the curd. Next, squeeze the lemons to extract approximately 170 ml of juice. If the quantity is slightly less, add a little water to compensate. Pour the juice into the saucepan with the zest. Add sugar and cornstarch, then whisk thoroughly to dissolve the cornstarch completely, avoiding lumps. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil.
Step 3:
As the mixture boils, it will thicken thanks to the cornstarch. For a smoother texture, you may strain the curd through a fine sieve, but leaving the zest in provides a more natural, robust flavor and appealing texture.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks gently. Gradually add hot lemon mixture into the yolks, stirring constantly to temper them and prevent curdling. Once combined, pour the mixture back into the saucepan and return to the heat.
Step 5:
Continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture thickens further and nearly reaches a boil. Avoid boiling the curd to maintain its smooth consistency. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat.
Step 6:
Stir in butter while the curd is still warm, allowing it to melt completely and blend seamlessly, enriching the curd’s texture and flavor.
Step 7:
Your classic lemon curd is now ready! Transfer it to a suitable container and let it cool completely. Chilling will thicken the curd further, enhancing its luscious texture.
Step 8:
Enjoy your lemon curd as a delightful filling for cakes, cupcakes, or buns, a tangy sauce for pancakes, or simply spread it on toast for a refreshing treat. Savor and share this bright burst of citrus goodness!
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